These 15 States Have the Highest Burglary Rates in America
Updated: Feb. 17, 2023The most recent FBI data shows that South Central states have the highest burglary rates in the U.S., but that's not all. Is your state on this list?
New Mexico
According to the most recent report from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, New Mexico is the most burglarized state in the country. The state had 830.4 instances per 100,000 inhabitants. With Mexican drug trade passing through the state, Albuquerque in particular, it’s not a very surprising statistic.
Arkansas
Arkansas came second on the FBI’s list with 795.5 burglaries per 100,000 inhabitants. The region in general suffers from high rates of property crime, particularly burglary. Among the worst areas is Bytheville, Arkansas with 347.2 burglaries per 10,000 people. Though it’s one of the smallest cities on this list, it has one of the highest burglary rates in America! Check out these 13 inexpensive ways to theft-proof your home.
Mississippi
Flanked by Louisiana and Arkansas, Mississippi comes in the top three with 781.4 burglaries. Greenville, a storied city along the Mississippi River, ranks as the second most burglarized city in the country according to UCR data. In fact, one in 16 residents are likely to become victims of property crime. Here are things you don’t know you’re doing that make your house a target for burglars.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma comes in at number four on the FBI’s list, with 741.7 burglaries per 100,000 inhabitants. According to YourLocalSecurity.com—an ADT Authorized Premier Provider—Tulsa is the state’s most burglarized city per 10,000 people. Garage doors are traditionally weak links in home security, giving thieves easy access. Use these tips to burglar-proof your garage door.
Louisiana
Coming in at 740.5, one of Louisiana’s most dangerous cities sits on the banks of the Red River. Alexandria is the third most burglarized city in the country according to 2017 research from NeighborhoodScout. “Our research reveals the 100 most dangerous cities in America with 25,000 or more people, based on the number of violent crimes per 1,000 residents,” the data explains. Thieves look for easy pickings; these tips will show you how to stop thieves from stealing trailers, motorcycles, ladders and equipment from your yard.
North Carolina
North Carolina had 710.4 burglaries per 100,000 inhabitants in 2016. Laurinburg’s burglary rate comes down to nearly three per 100 people. The city is known for violent offenses including rape, murder, armed robbery and aggravated assault. NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI reported crime data reveals that a person’s chances of becoming a victim of one of these crimes is one in 76 in Laurinburg.
FBI burglary statistics show that 65 percent of break-ins occur by forcing in the front, back or garage service door (not to mention the 12 percent of entries where burglars find your “hidden” key or simply walk in through an unlocked door). Here’s how to reinforce your door.
Alabama
This Deep South state, bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west, has the seventh highest burglary rate per 100,000 people, coming in at 700.5. According to YourLocalSecurity.com, the city of Anniston has a rate of 269.4 burglaries per 10,000 people.
Most burglars don’t pick locks or break glass. That takes too long, makes noise and risks personal injury. Instead, they simply kick in a door (even doors with a dead bolt) or pry open a window or sliding patio door. Check out these excellent DIY home security tips.
South Carolina
South Carolina has 664.7 burglaries as reported by the FBI in 2016. Florence comes in at number 99 on NeighborhoodScout’s list of the top 100 dangerous cities in the country. YourLocalSecurity.com notes that, per 10,000 people, there are 164.7 burglaries in the city with a population of 38,183 people. These are our best DIY garage security tips.
Nevada
Rounding out the top 10 of the most burglarized states in America is Nevada, at 641.1. Considering it’s home to Sin City, it’s really no surprise! But according to YourLocalSecurity.com, it’s Elko, Nevada with the most burglaries per 10,000 people. Check out these DIY simple window locks to keep your home safe.
Georgia
The Peach State comes in at number 11, with 614.4 burglaries per 100,000 people. YourLocalSecurity.com notes that College Park, Georgia, population 14,751, has a whopping 235.2 burglaries per 10,000 people, making it the most burglarized city in the state. Sitting southwest of downtown Atlanta, College Park is home to the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and a major convention center. With all the travelers and hotels, it makes sense there’s a lot of theft! Here’s how to buy and set up a home security system.
Tennessee
The landlocked state in the U.S. South accounts for 606.1 burglaries per 100,000 people, with Dyersburg the main culprit. The city, population 16,766, has 158.7 burglaries per 10,000 people. Roadsnacks.net used data and science to identify the most dangerous cities in the Volunteer State for 2018, putting Newport, Savannah, Dyersburg and Memphis in the top four. You’ll want to know these 13 sneak signs that your house is being watched.
Ohio
Per 100,000 people, Ohio has 575.9 burglaries. Cincinnati, Dayton, Lima, Toledo, Canton, Cleveland are among the top 100 most dangerous cities in the U.S. according to data from NeighborhoodScout. Check out these 20 secrets a home security installer won’t tell you.
Alaska
Although it’s the largest and most sparsely populated U.S. state, the FBI notes that Alaska has 546.3 burglaries per 100,000 people. NeighborhoodScout ranks Anchorage as the 62nd most dangerous city in America, while YourLocalSecurity.com recognizes Anchorage for 55.9 burglaries per 10,000 people. Small security measures are a huge deterrent. Most home break-ins aren’t the work of criminal masterminds; burglars just want to steal stuff.
Arizona
Arizona has 544.4 burglaries per 100,000 people. According to YourLocalSecurity.com, Apache Junction, population 38,529, has 91.4 burglaries per 10,000 people. NeighborhoodScout notes that the chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Apache Junction is 1 in 39.
